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This power hitting first baseman could be a huge addition for the Friars. The team needs a solid left-handed bat and Davis would surely provide that. Davis hitting behind Matt Kemp would solidify the Padres middle of the order. That tandem could potentially be lethal for the Padres and it would be nice to have a slugger from each side of the plate.
The problem is Davis is in very high demand and the Padres are not likely to be able to keep up with the Tigers, Orioles, Mets, and others in terms of financial commitments to Davis. He could get $125 million on the open market if two teams battle over his services. Davis made $12 million last season and is due for a raise. He could command $20 million annually and would want at least a five-year or six-year deal.
The Padres could go upwards of four years $85-90 million for Davis, but he will surely get more. The slugging first baseman hit 47 home runs last season and drove in 117 runs to go with a .262 batting average. Davis also had an impressive 5.2 WAR rating despite striking out 208 times.
The Padres have Melvin Upton, Jr. on the payroll through 2017. Unless they can move that contract, there’s no way they’re signing a FA centerfielder.